Event brings candidates, voters face to face

Minor Memorial United Methodist Church hosts gathering

Close to 100 people, including local and state election candidates, came out to enjoy good cooking and conversation at Minor Memorial United Methodist Church's community cookout Saturday in Walls.

"This is fantastic," said Horn Lake resident Ann Robison. "It's better than just looking at a campaign poster or a billboard; this way I get to put the candidate's name with a face."

The free event, said organizer Jennifer Wilhite, is one of many sponsored by the church once monthly as part of its RACK (Random Acts of Christian Kindness) program.

"We wanted to do something as a way to reach out to the community so we invited everyone just to come out and have fun and enjoy a good old-fashioned picnic together," Wilhite said.

"We also thought this would be a great way to put local residents face-to-face with local and state government candidates and allow them a chance to shake hands, ask questions if they'd like and express any concerns they may have."

A slew of candidates, including incumbents and newcomers, took the stage to state their stances on issues like taxes, education, law enforcement, public safety, and economic development.

The event also included a horseshoe-throwing tournament, a talent show, karaoke, a dessert cook-off and barbecue with all the fixings served up by church members.

Charlie Hoots, who is running for DeSoto County's District 3 Justice Court Judge seat, said, "This kind of event allows me to talk to people in the heart of my district and find out what their needs and desires are; what they want in their judges. It also allows us to get to know each other on a more personal level. I think it's great."

Several candidates for local offices attended the event, as did those running for seats in state government.

"I am very impressed with the religious aspect of all of the candidates," said Sandy Kirk of Illinois, a former DeSoto County resident. "They all seem to agree that in order for politics to work, God must be at the foundation, and that's awesome."